Next phase Almota Road construction underway

The extensive Almota Phase Four road construction project kicked-off March 30, closing the road for 12 weeks until July 31.

The Almota Road closure is for a stretch between Union Flat Creek to Stevick Road. This portion of the Almota Phase Four project is moving 200,000 yards of dirt.

"Things are going well," said Public Works Director Mark Storey. "The weather is cooperating, and we are making good progress. The dry winter has made soil moisture perfect for packing and moving the soil."

The full Almota Four project spans 3.5 miles between Union Flat Creek and State Route 194 at Onecho Bible Church. It calls for widening the road from 28 to 34 feet.

Storey said the road currently has scrapers running, which is why the road is needing to be closed to traffic during this time.

Before the start of the project, there were concerns about weather and if the project would need to be delayed. Currently, Storey said they are not expecting any delays at this time unless an unexpected amount of rain occurs, this could change the timeframe of the project.

"Right now, the biggest thing we are doing is simply moving dirt, lots of it," Storey said. "As we proceed we will be doing more things like installing new culverts, widening the existing road, eventually guardrail, etc."

Storey said if they continue to make good progress, the contractor, M. A. DeAtley of Clarkston, will most likely start to work on the part of the road that isn't closed to traffic.

"We really appreciate the patience of the motorist and local farmers," Storey said. "Please drive slowly through the parts of the project still open to traffic."

Storey said that the roads around the project area will be patrolled by law enforcement.

"We are pulling a lot of people over for speeding," Storey said in the Monday county commissioner workshop. "We have set lower speed limits for the area. We are starting to see more people slow down."